Davis eyes comeback bid amid juggling family life

RE: Davis eyes comeback bid amid juggling family life

Former Member — Mon, 01 Aug 2005 15:19:17 GMT

Originally posted by gull80 In Swimming Fastest, Maglischo makes the point that it takes longer to regain athletic performance (based on various parameters) than it did to lose it. As for Masters swimmers performing better than they did in college, I wonder how common this really is. I suspect that the top ten, at least in my age group (45-49), is dominated by swimmers who were very fast in college and, while slower now (just like everyone else), are still faster than the competition. He also says that if you are in good shape prior to getting out of shape, it will take you less time to retrun to form.

RE: Davis eyes comeback bid amid juggling family life

Former Member — Sun, 31 Jul 2005 16:14:23 GMT

In Swimming Fastest, Maglischo makes the point that it takes longer to regain athletic performance (based on various parameters) than it did to lose it. As for Masters swimmers performing better than they did in college, I wonder how common this really is. I suspect that the top ten, at least in my age group (45-49), is dominated by swimmers who were very fast in college and, while slower now (just like everyone else), are still faster than the competition.

RE: Davis eyes comeback bid amid juggling family life

Former Member — Sun, 31 Jul 2005 14:43:03 GMT

...and not to turn this into the dreaded topic..but at age 'thirty something' he's only dropped 10 beats per minute off of his maximum heart rate. That doesn't seem like it would make a difference in performance. He's also been actively swimming since his Olympic days....which is contrary to most "older" athletes on the comeback road who may have gone through a brief retirement period. Age may not be a factor for him.

RE: Davis eyes comeback bid amid juggling family life

Former Member — Sun, 31 Jul 2005 12:58:38 GMT

Originally posted by valhallan If anything, there are many examples of masters swimmers today who are performing as good as, if not better, than they did in college. Whether or not these people just never hit their potential.... or simply found that the effects age don't creep in as soon as it was believed is something that Josh can prove. I think Eddie Reese's comment could be applied to Masters swimmers (or at least those who were out of swimming for several years): "I think he can make a comeback, but at some point during a comeback, you have to work harder than you've ever worked."

RE: Davis eyes comeback bid amid juggling family life

Former Member — Sun, 31 Jul 2005 12:30:24 GMT

Finding the time to train seems to be his only hurdle. That would be an incredible comeback story. The Seabiscuit of swimming. If anything, there are many examples of masters swimmers today who are performing as good as, if not better, than they did in college. Whether or not these people just never hit their potential.... or simply found that the effects age don't creep in as soon as it was believed is something that Josh can prove.

RE: Davis eyes comeback bid amid juggling family life

Former Member — Sun, 31 Jul 2005 08:59:03 GMT

The beer guzzling doesn't seem to slow down Tall Paul...

RE: Davis eyes comeback bid amid juggling family life

Former Member — Sun, 31 Jul 2005 08:09:32 GMT

Originally posted by gull80 As for Masters swimmers performing better than they did in college, I wonder how common this really is. Probably not a large percentage... but there certainly are some who are performing very close to their times from their twenties. Shorter distances races are probably closest in times by comparison. Speaking from personal experience, my current 50 free time untapered & unshaved is just slightly over a second slower than my PB of 21.25 circa 1984. This is with only 15,000 yards a week compared to nearly 10,000 per day. Either less practice is better...or my times should have been faster when I was younger. I don't suppose all the beer guzzling back then could have affected performances ? :)

RE: Davis eyes comeback bid amid juggling family life

Former Member — Sat, 30 Jul 2005 11:33:45 GMT

Would love to see Josh make a comeback. He is such an inspirational guy and the world of swimming definitely needs someone who is so well spoken and represents all that's right with the sport.